Dry-cleaning apparatus



p 16, 1930. H. F. SILVEIR 1, 7 9

DRY CLEANING APPARATUS Filed Aug. so. 1926 R t INVENTOR.

BY 2 v I TORNEYS Patented Sept. 16, 1930 UNIT D STATESQ PATENT OFFICE,

mnom) ran-nus SILVER, or oenn u, omen DRY-CLEANING Arimna'rus Application filed August 30, 1926. Serial No. 132,513.

This invention is an improvement in dry cleaning apparatus, and the principal ob]ect of the invention is to provide a simple, novel and efiicient apparatus for washing clothes 5 or the like in a solvent, then drying the clothes, then defuming or removing gas fumes from the clothes, and finally distilling or reclaiming the solvent for reuse, the apparatus embodying certain novel arrangements and combinations of parts hereinafter set forth. a

I will explain the invention with reference to the accompanying drawing which illustrates one practical embodiment thereof to enable others familiar with the art to adopt and use the same, and I-will summarize 1n the claims the essentials of the invent-ion, thenovel features of construction, and novel combinations of parts, for which protection is desired.

The drawing shows a diagrammatic sectional view of my novel apparatus.

As shown in the drawing my novel apparatus preferabl -comprises a washer 1' supported above t e floor level in any desired manner and having a revolvable drum 1"- therein, mounted at one end on a horizontally disposed shaft 1 extending through a suitable stufiing box 1 in the side ofthe washer 80 casing, said shafthaving a gear wheel 1 thereon whereby the drum may be rotated within the washer casing.

Extending into the opposite end of casthe inner end of which forms a bearing for the adjacent end of drum I, mounted there on by means of a suitable oilless bearing 1', ipe 2 discharging into the interior of the rum. In the top of casing 1 is a charging door 1' through which the clothes or other articles may be introduced into the drum 1. Pipe 2 is connected to theloutlet of an air heater 3 preferably comprising a casing mounted in any suitable manner above the floor level, said casing having a plurality of vertically disposed pipes 3" mounted 'in a cylindrical casing 3", said pipes 3 extending from a pointadjacent the top of the casing 3, to a point adjacent the bottom thereof,

steam entering the casing?) through a valved ing 1, in alignment with shaft 1 is a pipe 2,-

Within the baflles 11 are coils 11 through aus sutu pipe 3 and draining from said casing through pipe 3. The drying air for said heater is sucked in from the atmosphere through a piped, by means of a suitable rotary blower 4 disposed adjacent a lower corner of heater 3, the air from blower 4 passing upwardly into the bottom of heater 3 adjacent one side thereof, and circulating upwardly along the inner side walls of heater 3 and down through the pipes 3 in the cylindrical casing 3, and out through pipe 2 into the drum 1.

The hot solvent is discharged into the washer 1 througha pipe 5 leading from a suitable suppl tank and condenser, hereinafter describe The solvent and air are both discharged from washer 1 through a pipe 6 leading from the bottom of the washer 1 into the screen 7 of lint trap 7, from whence the liquid solvent passes down through a valve 7 b in the bottom of the lint trap 7 through pipe 8 and into a closed solvent receiving tank 9. Lint trap 7 is provided with a removable cover 7 whereby the screen? may be removed for cleaning. The solvent laden air or-vapors in lint trap 7 however pass upwardly through a pipe 10 to a Y-connection one branch dischar 'im into the at1nos-' I h c phere and the other Into a cooler 11, hereinafter described, a fly-valve 10 being disposed S0 in the Y-connection for closing one or the other branches thereof.

Cooler 11 preferably comprises a cylindrical casing having a closed top 11*"; the bottom 11 thereof being slightly conical or concave. Within the casin 11 are a plurality of coaxial bafiles 11, pre erably cylindrical in shape and one within the other, the alternate baflles extending to the top '11 of the casing and the remaining baffles 11 extending to the bottom 11 of the casing, suitable holes being provided at the bottom of said bafiles for permitting the condensate 'to drain to the outlet 11 at the bottom corners of the cooler.

a which cooling water circulates, the water entering through pipe 11 and leaving the coils through pipe 11'. An air pipe 4" connects the top of cooler 11 withthe air pipe 4..

The air and vapbrs from lint trap andpipe ceive cooling water from the pipe 11 lead 10 pass through branch 10 into the side of cooler 11 adjacent the top thereof and pass over and under the bafiies 11 to the center of the cooler, the air passing upwardly and out through pipe 48 and returning to blower 4, while the condensed vapors pass downwardly through outlet pipe 11 through sight-glass 11*, and into the top of a solvent supply tank and condenser 12 disposed below cooler 11.

Condenser 12 is preferably cylindrical and is closed at its top and bottom. In the top of the casing are cooling coils 12 which reing from the coils 11 the coolin water discharging from coils 12 throng pipe 12". The cooled condensed solvent collects in the bottom of condenser 12, and passes through a pipe 13 to a water trap 13 disposed below and at one side of the condenser 12. The water trap 13 as shown is designed for use with carbon tetrachloride, a solvent heavier than water. The solvent, being heavier than water, collects at the bottom of trap 13 and passes through pipe 5, controlled by a valve 5, into the drum 1 of washer 1. The water however, from trap 13 rises through pipe 13 to an outlet branch 13, controlled by a valve 13, when the supply tank 12 is full enough to force the water to that level. A vent pipe 14 connects pipe 13 with the cooler 11 and the top of receiving tank 9.

Mounted below the condenser 12 is a still 15 disposed at approximately the same level as tank 9, and connected therewith by a pipe 15. A clean-out valve 15 is provided at the bottom of still 15. Within the still is a coil 15 of copper, through which steam enters and leaves by pipes 15 and 15", respectively. The top of still 15 is preferably conical and is connected by a pipe 15 extending upwardly through condenser 12 to a point adjacent the top thereof, whereby the vapors from still 15- are discharged into the condenser 12.

In operation, the clothes to be cleaned are introduced into the drum 1 of washer 1 through the air-tight charging door 1, and the drum is then revolved by means of power applied to shaft 1". Valve 5 is then opened and hot solvent is allowedto fill the washer 1 to any desired level. During the washing operation valve 7 however remains closed and the solvent passes through pipe 6 and fills the lint trap 7 to the same level as the liquid in washer 1. When the clothes have been sufficiently washed, valve 7* is then opened and the dirty solvent is allowed to run through pipe 8 into the receiving tank 9. When the dirty solvent leaves the washer it flows through the screen 7 a and all lint and largev particles of foreign matter are thus retained in the lint trap. If a-second or rinsing operation is necessary, valve 7 1s again closed and the washing repeated.

When it is desired to dry the clothes, steam is allowed to enter the heating element 3 of heater 3 through pipe 3". Blower 4 is rotated and air is sucked from pipe 4' and forced into heater 3 and then through pipe 2 into washer 1. The heated air evaporates any remaining portion of solvent in washer 1 and passes out of washer 1 through pipe 6, and through screen 7 of lint trap 7, where all lint is'retained, the air further passing upwardly through pipe 10, past fiy-valve 10, through pipe 1O into cooler 11. In cooler 11 the air passes around the cooling coils 11 which are cooled by a continuous stream of cold water passing through them. The resultant cooling of the air condenses the vaporized solvent, which flows from cooler 11 through pipe l1 down into condenser 12. The air in" cooler 11 however passes through pipe 1 into pipe 4 and hence again into blower 4;. The drying operation is continued until all liquid solvent has been removed from the clothes in washer 1. Pipe 4 is open to the atmosphere and the point at which it connects to the system is always at atmospheric pressure. There will be a slight flow of air inward from the atmosphere when the blower is started, and a slight flow outward when the blower is stopped, but the system soon reach% a state of equilibrium and there is no further flow.

A certain amount of vapor from the solvent remains in the washer after drying and for most satisfactory results should be removed from the clothes and the washer before the clothes are taken out. In order to accomplish such defuming, fly-valve 10 is turned to divert the flow of air from pipe branch 10 to the atmosphere. Circulation through cooler 11 is hence stopped and fresh air therefore commences to flow through pipes 4, blowe1 4, heater 3, pipe 2, Washer 1, pipe 6, lint trap 7, pipe 10, and into the atmosphere again. During the defuming operation valve 7 must remain closed.

The dirty solvent collected in the receiving tank 9 passes through pipe 15 into still 15. Steam is allowed to enter through pipe 15 into the copper coils 15 'to heat the solvent. The vapors from still 15 pass upwardly through pipe 15 into the supply tank and condenser 12 where the vapors are condensed around cooling coils 12*which are cooled by a continuous stream of cold water flowing through them. As the water used in cooler 11 is raised only a few degrees in temperature, the same stream may be used in the coils -12 of condenser 12. The course of the water is through'pipe 11 coils 11, pipe 11, coils 12, and out through waste ipe 12". The condensed solvent collects in t e bottom oferably provided with an overflow pipe 12 which returns an excess solvent to pipe 8 and receiving tan 9. The distillin operation is continuous and is not affected by the other operations of the machine.

In my novel apparatus, the introduction of the drying air directly into the inside of drum l of washer 1, and the exit of the vapor laden air through pipe 6 at the bottom of the washer gives a more thorough drying effect than can be obtained by forcing the air in at the bottompf the Washer and out through the top thereof because vapor from the solvent is heavier and colder than the enterin air and consequently tends to settle in the ottom of the 'washer. Air forced in at the bottom would tend to flow in a channel toward the top without becoming saturated with the solvent vapor, whereas air forced in at the side or top tends to spread out in the washer and become saturated with vapor before being forced out at the bottom of the washer. i

The use of one linttrap 7 forboth washing and drying has a distinct advantage from an o erating viewpoint. My arrangement of forcing the air out at the bottom of the washer makes this possible. The arrangement whereby still 15,- condenser 12, and cooler 11" are made circular, and are placed one above the other on the same supporting member makes the construction very simple. The circular construction of the cooler with circular coils and circular bafiles makes it possible to get the coldest part of the pipe coil where it will do the most good. The cooler is relatively small in size,- convenient in shape, and has a great cooling capacity.

The flow of the cooling'water first through the cooler 11 and then through the condenser 12 makes it possible to use the maximum cooling capacity of the water and at the same time secure the most efiicient o eration of the cooler and condenser. The e ciency of the cooler depends upon the coldness of the water, but the condenser will operate just as well with the water a few degrees warmer providin the coil is made sufliciently long.

The arrangement of piping whereby all tanks and chambers in'the system always have access to the atmosphere without any I intervening valves adds materially to the ease and safety of operation of the machine. It is ver essential in maintaining the proper interc ange of air and liquid when the machine is in operation. The fact that there is but one connection to the atmos here for the whole system, except during t e defuming operation when there are two, makes it possible for the air pressures within the system to balance themselves with a minimum loss of vapor into the atmosphere.

The arrangement of the various chambers and ipes whereb everything is kept above the iibor line whi e the opening or'charging door inthe washer is still accessible to a man standing on the floor is of the greatest im portance. This makes it possible to build a complete machine at the factory without anyerection or fitting to be done by the customer, except the necessary water, air, and steam connections.

The placing of the fly-valve 15 in the air line'between. line trap 7 and cooler 11 is important in minimizing the loss of vapor in the defuming operation.

I claim:- 1. In a dry cleaning apparatus, a washer; an air heater; a solvent supply tank; a lint trap; means for charging the washer with the solvent from thesupply tank; means for discharging the solvent from the. washer through the lint trap to the supply tank; and

means .for passing heated air through the washer, the air'discharging from the washer through the lint trap and passing again to the heater.

2. In a dry cleaning apparatus, a washer;

a blower; an air. heater; a solvent supply means for dischargin the solvent from the washer through the hut trap to the supply tank; means or-passing heated air from the heater through the washer, said air and vapors discharging from the Washer through the lint trapand passing to the cooler; means for passing the air in the cooler to the heater; means for passing the condensate in the cooler .to the supply tank ;.and means for diverting theair and vapors from the lint trap to the atmosphere before reaching the cooler.

4. In a dry cleaning apparatus, a washer;

an air heater; a solvent supply tank; a lint trap; means for charging t e washer with the solvent from the supply tank; means for discharging the solvent from the washer through the lint trap to the supply tank;

means for passing heated air through the washer, the air dischargin from the washer through the lint trap an passing againto the heater; and means for separating the water from the solvent before same enters the washer.

5. In a dry cleanin apparatus, a washer; an air heater; a receiving tank; 'a still connected with the tank; a condenser; a cooler;

a lint trap; means for charging the washer with solvent from the condenser; means for discharging the solvent from the washer through the lint trap to the receiving tank; means for passing heated air from the heater throu h the Washer, said air and vapors discharg ng from the washer through the lint trap and passing to the cooler; means for passing the air in the cooler to the heater;

tank; means or passing heated air from the heater through the washerfsaid air and vapors discharging-from the washer through the lint trap and passing to the cooler; means for passing the air in the cooler to the heater; means for passing the liquids in the cooler to the condenser; means, for distilling the solvent from the still to the supply tank; and an overflow pipe connecting the'condenser with the receiving tank.

7. A dry cleaning apparatus, comprising a washer having an air inlet, a solvent inlet, and. a common outlet an air heater; a connection between the heater and air inlet of the washer; a solvent supply tank; a connection between said tank and solvent inlet of v the washer; a cooler; a lint trap connected with the outlet of the washer; and air connection between the lint trap and cooler; a. solvent connection between the lint trap and supply tank; an air connection open to the atmosphere between the cooler and air heater; and a solvent connection between the cooler and supply tank.

8. In combination with apparatus as set forth in claim 7, a by-pass open to the atmosphere interposed in the connection between the lint trap and'cooler; and a fly-valvecontrolling said by-pass.

9. In combination with apparatus as set forth in claim 7, means interposed between the supply tank and washer for separating water from the solvent.

10. A dry cleaning apparatus comprising a washer having an air inlet, a solvent inlet, and a common outlet; an air heater; :1 con nection between the heater and air inlet of washer; an air connection between the lint trap and cooler; a valved by-pass to the atmosphere interposed in said air connection; ai solvent connection between the lint trap mracae and still; an air connection open to the atmosphere between the cooler and air heater;

a solvent connection between the cooler and supply tank; and means for passing the vapors from the still into the condenser.

11. In combination with apparatus as set forth in claim 10, means inter osed between the supply tank and washer or separating water from the solvent.

12. In combination with apparatus as set forth in, claim 10, an overflow pipe from the top of the condenser to the still.

13. A dry cleaning apparatus comprising a washer having an air inlet, a solvent inlet; and a common outlet; an air heater; a connection between the heater and air inletof the washer; a solvent receiving tank; a condenser; a still; a connection between said condenser and solvent inlet of the washer; a cooler; a lint trap connected with the outlet of the washer; an air connection between the lint trap and cooler; a solvent connection between the lint trap and receiving tank; an air connection open to the atmosphere between the cooler and air heater; a solvent connection between the cooler and supply tank; means for supplying the still, with solvent from the receiving tank; and means for passing the distilled vapors from the still to the condenser.

14. In combination with apparatus as set forth in claim 13, means inter osed between the supply tank and washer or separating water from the solvent; and a vent pipe connecting said means with the condenser and receiving tank.

15. In combination with apparatus as set forth in claim 18, an overflow pipe connecting the top of the condenser with the receiving tank.

16. In combination with apparatus as set forth in claim 13, the receiving tank andstill being disposed at approximately the same level and connected at their lower ends; and said still having a vapor dome disposed above the maximum level of liquid in the receiving tank, whereby as the receiving tank is disposed intermediate the washer and still a minimum change in temperature in the still will be produced by the discharge of used soxllillpnt from the lint trap into the receiving ta 17. In a. dry cleaning apparatus, a washer; a solvent receiving tank disposed below and connected with the washer; a still disposed at approximately the same level as the receiving tank; a. pipe connection between the still and receiving tank maintaining the solvent in the still and receiving tank at the same level; said still having a vapor dome disposed above the maximum level of solvent in the receiving tank; whereby the discharge of solvent from the washer to the receiving tank will have a miflrl imum effect upon the temperature of the st the lint from the quid; then 18. A dry cleaning apparatus comprising a washer having a solvent inlet, and an outlet;

a solvent receiving tank disposed below and I connected with the outlet; a still disposed at approximately the same level as the receiv ing tank; a pipe connection between the still and receiving tank permitting the solvent to rise to the same level in both chambers; said still having a vapor dome disposed above the maximum level of solvent in the receiving tank; means for condensing the solvent 3 vapors of the still; and means for directing the condensate to the solvent inlet; whereby the discharge of solvent from the washer to the receiving tank will have a minimum effect upon the temperature of the still.

19. In a dry cleaning apparatus; a washer;

a solvent supply tank; means for charging the washer. with solvent from the supply tank; means for discharging the solvent from the washer; a lint trap in said discharging means for screening the used solvent; an air heater;

and means for passing heated air through the washer, the heated air discharging from the washer through the lint trap to dry out the latter.

20. Ina .dry cleaning apparatus; a washer; means for charging the washer with -a cleaning fluid a lint trap through which the cleaning fluid is passed after use; and means .for circulating air through the tra alternation with the cleaning fluid to ry'the same.

21. The herein described method of dry cleaning consistin in washing-the fabrics in a bath of volatile c eanin fluid; thenpassing the used fluid throu h a int trap to separate assing air through the fabrics and through t e lint trap to dry the fabric and the lint tra ,1

In testimony that. I claim the oregoing as my own, I afiix my signature. I

f HAROLD FARNES SILVER; 

